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Zimbabwe Seals Thrilling Last-Ball Victory to Go 1-0 Up Against Afghanistan
In a nail-biting opener to the T20I series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Harare, the hosts secured a dramatic win, powered by a calm and composed 13-ball 16* from Tashinga Musekiwa in the final over. Afghanistan, despite a late flourish, could only manage a defendable total of 144/6, which Zimbabwe chased down in a tense last-ball finish.
Zimbabwe’s Chasing Efforts Overshadow Afghanistan’s Bowling Brilliance
A Slow and Steady Start
Naveen-ul-Haq set the tone for Afghanistan with a maiden over to Brian Bennett and soon dismissed Tadiwanashe Marumani. Despite some resilient batting from Bennett and Dion Myers, Zimbabwe struggled to break free, managing only 33 runs in the powerplay. The duo scored 75 off 62 balls but faced challenges against a disciplined Afghan bowling unit led by Rashid Khan and Naveen.
The Eventful Middle Overs
The 15th over proved crucial. Naveen-ul-Haq bowled nine wides in a single over, conceding 19 runs but also taking Sikandar Raza’s wicket. Ryan Burl’s six off Mohammad Nabi brought the equation to a manageable 38 off five overs. However, Rashid’s impactful double-wicket over, which dismissed Bennett and Burl, swung the momentum back to Afghanistan.
Musekiwa’s Calm Under Pressure
With 11 required off the final over, Musekiwa held his nerve, striking a boundary and two vital couples before hitting the winning single off Azmatullah Omarzai’s last ball. Zimbabwe’s batting lineup showcased depth and determination, with Musekiwa’s late cameo sealing a memorable victory.
Afghanistan’s Innings: Early Collapse and Late Recovery
Powerplay Woes
Afghanistan’s decision to bat first seemed questionable as they lost four wickets within the powerplay. Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell for a duck, while Hazratullah Zazai’s quick 20 was short-lived. Richard Ngarava’s double-strike and Trevor Gwandu’s wicket of Sediqullah Atal left Afghanistan reeling at 33/4.
The Janat-Nabi Partnership
Karim Janat anchored the innings with a cautious start, later finding rhythm alongside Mohammad Nabi. Their 79-run partnership off 49 balls revived the innings. Nabi’s explosive 20-run over against Gwandu and Janat’s fifty ensured Afghanistan crossed the 140-mark.
A Strong Finish
Although Nabi fell short of his fifty, Afghanistan scored 43 runs in the last four overs, courtesy of Janat’s acceleration and strategic boundaries. This competitive finish gave their bowlers a total to defend but ultimately fell short in a closely contested match.
Key Takeaways
- Zimbabwe’s top order overcame a shaky start to showcase resilience.
- Afghanistan’s bowling brilliance, especially from Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan, kept the contest alive until the last ball.
- Musekiwa’s composed finish highlighted Zimbabwe’s depth in batting.
Highlights from the Match
- Zimbabwe’s recovery: Bennett and Myers’ 75-run stand laid the foundation for the chase.
- Naveen-ul-Haq’s mixed over: A 13-ball 15th over with nine wides and a crucial wicket.
- Musekiwa’s last-ball heroics: Securing victory with a boundary and two couples in the final over.
For more details on the T20I series, check out Zimbabwe Cricket.
